THE HANGABOUTS - Illustrated Bird (SUGARBUSH SB031), the fabulous new album on vinyl by Detroit's HANGABOUTS is one of those albums that any label with a modicum of Pop sensibility will jump at the chance to release. From the same gaggle of bands on the Detroit scene that we have released previously (Nick Piunti, Chris Richards and the Subtractions) this album presents the gentle Psych-Pop side of Detroit, a city normally more associated with gritty urban toughness. No, these lads have crafted a lovely Pop record that, dare I say it, would not have sounded out of place in Big Star's cannon and even reminds me of McCartney's gentler side. Hey, even Emmitt Rhodes would surely dig this record. It is a master stroke of lush arrangements, jangling 12 and 6 string guitars, layered harmonies and, best of all, some really fantastic songs. No fillers on here, and one of the best pure pop albums I have heard in years. This is limited on vinyl to ONLY 300 copies, on see through orange vinyl. £19.99 including worldwide postage
